Technology Elite Awards 2019

40 US BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Technology Elite Awards , Best International Communications Technology Advocacy 2019 Withmore than 14,000 users, the International Avaya User Group (IAUG) is one of the world’s largest international organisations for communications technology professionals. Following their win in US Business News’ Technology Elite Awards, we examine the organisation to learn more about their recent successes. Acting as the forum for the global Avaya user community, IAUG provides a voice and resources for Avaya professionals to connect, work, troubleshoot, network and learn together. Constantly working to provide members with up-to-date news in the technology industry, the organisation curates relevant content through webinars, podcasts, blog, chapter meetings, conference programming, and much more. The overall mission for IAUG is to be a resource for technology and telecommunications professionals across the globe, providing members with relevant content, technical support, and in-person events that encourage growth in their professional skillset, and networking opportunities with other IT professionals. Highly dedicated and knowledgeable, staff at IAUG are able to achieve this through their close relationship with partner firm Avaya, and their commitment to ensuring customers’ ongoing success. Working closely with volunteers and Avaya employees, the team ensures that their content always remains relevant and central to the modern-day IT professional’s needs. Constant communication between the two organisations enables IAUG members to be in the best place for success. Recently launching a new resource, members can now submit feature request directly to the Avaya team through IAUG’s platform. The page is closely monitored and updated by Avaya employees, establishing direct access between users and the company. This close relationship, and ongoing efforts to curate relevant membership benefits, are what set IAUG apart from other technical groups in the industry. President of the Board of Directors, Marilyn Shuck, explains her own journey into a leading advocacy and service role. “My career into the technology market started over 25 years ago working with a small, female- owned telecommunications company. Over the years, I continued to learn and grow as technology changed rapidly. My involvement with IAUG has given me the networking and educational tools to be a successful woman professional in the IT industry.” Constant technological advancements mean that IT user groups such as IAUG have to stay one step ahead of industry developments to remain the top choice. Marilyn goes on to talk about the impact of new technologies in relation to development of the IAUG’s platform. “To keep up with the fast-paced tech industry, I am involved with educational forums and professional networking associations where industry experts discuss the changes in technology. Being involved with these types of groups gives me the knowledge and confidence to bring new ideas to my organization and stay current with the new and upcoming technologies.” International Avaya User Group (IAUG) Just as the tools of the technology industry are constantly changing, so are the people who compose its landscape. The industry’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse with people from different backgrounds, generations, and life experiences joining organisations such as IAUG. As the needs of the industry and the world continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to update technologies and hire the best people, as failing to do so could mean being left behind. As Marilyn points out, continuing education throughout one’s career is important, as is having conversations with industry peers to enhance understanding of how technology plays into a bigger picture. This is just one of the reasons that the association received such a great response from their most recent IAUG Insider Podcast season about the new landscape of IT, airing in tandem with a member-exclusive webinar series by the same title. Ultimately, the continued successes of IAUG is attributed to the continued development of their members. Always on the lookout for ways to enhance the user experience, generate relevant and informative content, and update to the latest technologies, this organisation is undoubtedly one of 2019’s best international communications technology advisors. Company: International Avaya Users Group Contact: Kaitlynn Malinowski Website: www.iaug.org/home